Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyChildren & Family Services, Office of

TitleAdvocacy Specialist 3

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary Grade23

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $86681 to $109650 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Contingent Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 25%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Rensselaer

Street Address Capital View Office Park - Ombudsman Office

52 Washington Street, 231 North

City Rensselaer

StateNY

Zip Code12144

Job Specifics

Duties Description The Advocacy Specialist 3 performs a range of professional advocacy functions that supports individuals and families in seeking and receiving appropriate services and treatments; and promotes awareness of the importance of cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and spiritual competence in treatment, rehabilitation, and support systems. The incumbent provides supervisory and programmatic leadership and will:
Oversee Advocacy Specialist caseloads and workflow to ensure timely, consistent responses to youth and family concerns.
Conduct complex investigations involving serious or systemic issues.
Review case documentation and provide guidance to Advocacy Specialists on inquiries, investigative practices, and youth engagement.
Supervise staff, including onboarding, coaching, performance management, and professional development.
Work with Ombudsman leadership to identify trends, recommend policy or practice improvements, and support statewide oversight initiatives.
Serve as liaison on escalated matters while preserving the Ombudsman’s independent role.
Assist with reports, data summaries, and quality improvement efforts.
Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree in a human services field, and three years of experience as a professional advocate or service provider in rehabilitation, developmental disabilities, mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, or homeless youth. One year of the experience must have been at a supervisory level.
A Master’s degree in human services field may substitute for one year of experience. Four years of experience may also substitute for a bachelor’s degree.

Additional Comments 25% Travel will be required statewide, including in-person facility visits and occasional overnight travel

Background Investigation Requirements:
1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee’s employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.

The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS’s mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name New York State Office of Children and Family Services

Telephone 518-473-7936

Fax 518-473-6122

Email Address eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov

Address

Street Bureau of Personnel - CMV

52 Washington Street, 231 North

City Rensselaer

State NY

Zip Code 12144

 

Notes on ApplyingQualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.